Need to get tested for COVID-19?
We have heard many wanting to be tested for COVID-19 and expressing frustration with not being able to find testing. We also field numerous questions about private entities charging for COVID-19 testing. So, we talked to the Fulton County Board of Health and have some information for you.
The Fulton County Board of Health has been operating multiple testing sites that are free to Fulton County residents. Tomorrow they are opening a new testing site that is located in North Fulton County. The location has never been prohibitive in getting tested. Now it is even more convenient, all you have to do is call the Fulton County Board of Health to get a number and the location of a test site. Arrive at your allocated time and get tested. It’s as easy as that. There is plenty of capacity, we do not have any reports of people being turned away.
The Georgia National Guard is also running testing sites throughout the State. To access these, you can utilize the express care app from Augusta University. It’s just as easy.
There is work underway to merge all of the various counties’ health department sites, as well as the State sites, into one contact method.
Private testing sites:
Yes, they exist, and most are legitimate. They do typically charge a fee and/or bill your insurance. Unfortunately, there are also scam sites that are selling an illegitimate product, trying to steal your personal information, or both.
Antibody testing:
This is where it gets complicated. We applied a strategy early on to only share facts from primary sources (CDC, Department of Public Health, etc.) to help cut down on rumors and false information surrounding COVID-19. There is not a lot of primary sourced facts dealing with antibody testing. The facts seem to point to the need for more testing to be done to validate what the experts can learn from antibody testing. There are numerous studies underway, but there is not a definitive answer as to what a positive or negative antibody test means. When we find out more, we will pass it on to you.
Fulton County Board of Health has asked us to help them make their process better for you. When you call their number and go through the testing process let us know about your experience. Many of the people manning their hotline did other health jobs prior to this and are not experienced working in a call center, so be patient. They want to help and will get you connected.
Call us if we can help, let us know what information we can find out for you. We will do everything we can to keep you informed.
